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Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat

(7 days / 6 nights)

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Inspiring Iceland in winter with a private guide

Each day of this 7-day luxury journey offers the very best of south Iceland, all during the tranquility of the winter season. With a personal driver-guide, you will visit the most scenic highlights of the south, including bubbling hot springs, thundering waterfalls, the glorious Glacier Lagoon and the luxurious Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy the majestic sights of Iceland by day and stay at premium hotels at night. Starting from Reykjavík, an experienced local guide will take you to Iceland’s most talked about attractions in south Iceland as well as hidden gems!

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1417515 ISK

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & exclusive travel experience
  • Experience the best of Iceland
  • Local experts in Iceland & trusted guides
  • Customisable & personal tour options

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • A unique stay at the luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel
  • Enjoy the full Ritual Retreat experience at the Blue Lagoon Retreat SPA
  • Delving Into the Glacier, an ice tunnel on Langjökull glacier
  • Explore the classic Golden Circle - Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir
  • Travel the magical south coast with its stunning waterfalls and vast glaciers
  • Discover Vatnajökull National Park and its beautiful surroundings
  • Visit the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon
  • Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice
  • Explore charming Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland
  • Travel with your local expert private driver-guide along the southwest coast
  • Stay at our hand-picked luxury accommodations in Reykjavík & the countryside
  • All our luxury tours can be customised to your interests and requirements

Travel style

Privately Guided i

Interest

Active i, Honeymoon & Romance i, Luxury Travel i, Northern Lights i, Relaxation and Spa i

Season

Oct - Apr

Departure

Daily

Interest

Active i, Honeymoon & Romance i, Luxury Travel i, Northern Lights i, Relaxation and Spa i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

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  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ICELAND

    Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you will be greeted by a private chauffeur in the arrivals hall who will drive you to your well-appointed hotel in Reykjavík. If you are arriving early, you will have the option of an early check-in (this needs to be arranged with your travel consultant in advance).  After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The high street, Laugavegur, offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and bars to suit all tastes—all within an easy walk.  Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Center (King Junior Suite).

    Average Driving Distance: 49 km / 30 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 50 Minutes

    Included:
    • Private VIP Airport Transfer

    Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: WEST ICELAND: WONDROUS WATERFALLS & GLACIER ADVENTURES

    Start the day by meeting your private driver-guide after breakfast at your hotel and begin your journey to the idyllic Icelandic countryside, starting with the bountiful Borgarfjörður area on the west coast of Iceland. Sights along the way include the twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss along with the Deildartunguhver hot spring.

    Next on the agenda is heading to Langjökull glacier where you will experience a truly icy adventure, venturing inside a glacier! During this unique tour, you will have the chance to experience the actual ice in Iceland, with a guided tour inside the island's second largest glacier. An enormous modified truck, outfitted for the glacier, will transport you to the manmade tunnel, which exposes the beautiful blue ice and allows you to see crevasses and the glacier's unique characteristics.

    After the tour enjoy a relaxing time at the charming Hotel Húsafell, located in scenic surroundings, before visiting the heavenly Húsafell Canyon Baths.

    At night, be sure to step outside your hotel and see if the northern lights decided to make an appearance. The remote location of Hótel Húsafell is an ideal location!

    Spend the night at Hótel Húsafell (Deluxe).

    Average Driving Distance: 180 km / 111 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Included:
    • Group excursion: Into The Glacier Adventure on Langjökull (2-4 hours est)
    • Group excursion: Húsafell Canyon Baths

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details

  • Day 3: GOLDEN CIRCLE DURING THE TRANQUILITY OF WINTER

    Today's journey brings you up close and personal with some of Iceland’s most popular south Iceland attractions along the classic Golden Circle route.  Start with a visit to the fascinating Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk on a path in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates and learn about the first site of Iceland's democracy.

    Next on the route is the Haukadalur geothermal area, where you can see Geysir—the original “geyser”—and its more active neighbour Strokkur, which spouts water and steam metres into the air every few minutes. This natural sight is especially lovely in a winter setting.

    End the day’s adventure with a visit to the two-tiered, roaring Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most memorable sights, before journeying on to your premium hotel for the night.

    Spend the night at Hotel Geysir (Suite).

    Average Driving Distance: 160 km / 99 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details

  • Day 4: SOUTH COAST, WATERFALLS & BLACK SAND BEACHES

    This morning, get back on the road with your guide and take the scenic journey to two beautiful waterfalls along the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which are especially lovely in the soft winter light. Seljalandsfoss is situated along the Seljalandsá river where the waterway plummets 40 metres over a cliff face.

    Seljalandsfoss is unique among waterfalls, as the shape of the cliff over which it falls allows visitors to walk behind the chute via a footpath at the base of the falls. Meanwhile, Skógafoss is a magnificent 60-metre high waterfall and one of Iceland‘s most photogenic landmarks.

    Before arriving at the village of Vík, you will visit the black volcanic beach south of the village, from where you can view the unique rock formations Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar.

    Spend the next 2 nights at Hotel Magma (Deluxe).

    Average Driving Distance: 250 km / 155 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: THE GLACIER LAGOON & DIAMOND BEACH

    Today your guide will drive to magnificent Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon, located in the far southeast corner of Iceland. It´s a long drive but definitely worth the journey! This is one of Iceland’s best known and most photographed locations where, from the shore, you can see large icebergs bobbing in the water. Afterwards you will stop by the Diamond Beach, where you will see chunks of ice glistening on the black sands. Travel back along Vatnajökull National Park towards Vík where you will spend the night.

    Spend another night at Hotel Magma (Deluxe).

    Average Driving Distance: 300 km / 158 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day

  • Day 6: INDULGENCE AT THE LUXURIOUS BLUE LAGOON RETREAT

    After the last few days of adventure on the road, it’s time to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings in the lava fields dotting the Reykjanes peninsula. You have the option of adding an exciting activity like a glacier walk or ATV ride, depending on the weather, or you can head directly to the Blue Lagoon for a day filled with luxury at The Retreat Spa. At the Retreat Spa you will be able to visit both the exclusive Retreat Lagoon, the world-renowned Blue Lagoon and enjoy the Blue Lagoon skin care amenities. For more information about the Retreat, please see Tour Information.

    Spend the night at The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon (Moss Junior Suite).*

    * For upgrades, the Retreat Hotel requires a minimum 2-night stay. Please contact us for more details. Please note that the Retreat accommodation is not pre-booked and it is dependent on availability.

    Average Driving Distance: 305 km / 189 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 hours

    Included:
    • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day

  • Day 7: PRIVATE TRANSFER & DEPARTURE

    After this action-packed luxury tour in Iceland, enjoy a comfortable, private transfer to Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight back home. For those who are boarding an afternoon flight, we offer a late check-out at the Blue Lagoon Retreat including a reservation for a private room at the Retreat Hotel for an additional fee. There are also hiking trails in the area and yoga classes offered at the Retreat that you can join to reflect on your amazing time in Iceland.

    Average Driving Distance: 25 km / 15 mi.
    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 30 Minutes

    Included:
    • Private VIP transfer from the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel to Keflavík International Airport

    Attractions Attractions
View full itinerary

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1417515 ISK

Book with confidence
Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this luxury tour in Iceland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Iceland Travel Guide.

On a private tour with Nordic Visitor, you'll enjoy a tried-and-tested itinerary while enjoying the service of a private, local driver-guide. Let us know what your interests are and we’ll do our best to match you with a guide who will add to your experience.

You'll usually begin the day with your guide at around 9:00 AM. But if you prefer you can also choose to set out later. Depending on the day’s itinerary, you can expect between 8–9 hours with your guide. Take advantage of their insider knowledge while relaxing and enjoying the ride.

If there are specific things you'd like to see and do, let your guide know and they'll do their best to adjust the day's itinerary. The time spent at each spot will also be based on your interests. That said, the guide will follow the original itinerary.

Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map, and our very own Iceland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Yes, when you book your Iceland tour with Nordic Visitor, you always get airport transfers to and from Keflavík Airport included. This will be a private, shared or bus transfer, depending on your itinerary. Please check the details of your tour to confirm.

If you add extra nights to your stay before or after the scheduled trip, we’ll rearrange your transfers to fit your new itinerary.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your travel consultant if you have any specific requests about optional activities or services.

When you arrive, you will be picked up at Keflavík International Airport for a private VIP transfer. A driver will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transported directly to your hotel.

You will also enjoy a VIP airport transfer upon departure. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Keflavík Airport in time for your flight home.

Although luggage handling is not included (and is rarely an option in Iceland) your driver will assist you if possible. Please note that your driver will not be the private guide you will travel with on this tour. 

This itinerary is based on staying in specific luxury accommodation in Iceland. Please check the ‘accommodation tab’ for more details.

It's also good to know that if these hotels are not available for your dates, we'll let you know about other options. We will always aim to book a similar standard of hotel for you. 

If you have a specific accommodation in mind, or you'd like to upgrade your stay, your travel consultant will happily look into what’s available.

This package includes a stay in a Moss Junior Suite at the Retreat Hotel. Please note that this is not pre-booked and it is dependent on availability. Once you book your tour, we'll contact the accommodation to secure your room.

The Retreat is the luxurious side of the Blue Lagoon with access to the spa, daily yoga sessions and concierge service. Here you’ll receive extras like Blue Lagoon skincare products and 24-hour room service. 

You'll also have entry to the Retreat Spa, the exclusive Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. It's worth remembering that access is limited to the regular opening hours of these facilities.

At the Retreat Spa, you can enjoy the Ritual, a luxury spa experience. It is based on the healing powers of the Blue Lagoon’s 3 natural wonders: silica, algae, and minerals. 

Begin your stay, by checking in from 3 PM. Check-out is at 11 AM, but you can contact your travel consultant in advance to ask for a later check-out time.

If there are children travelling with you, they must be at least 12 years old to visit the spa areas of the Retreat Lagoon. It’s also mandatory for children aged 12 to 18 to be accompanied by an adult.

Children must be at least 2 years old to visit the Blue Lagoon. And it’s mandatory for children aged 2 to 8 to wear inflatable armbands while in the lagoon. These are provided free of charge. 

Please note that only 2 children under the age of 10 can be admitted into the lagoon per guardian.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, your private guide will be there to advise you. But you can also call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Iceland. 

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Iceland on the website of Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. If you do require a visa, they maintain a list of local embassies that can assist you with the process. 

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Iceland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it. 

Read more about visas, airports and airlines in the getting to Iceland section of our travel guide.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Iceland for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore, what you want to see in Iceland and any events you might like to attend.

In summer, June to August, you’ll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, compared to the winter. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. 

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September. These shoulder season months have more tour and attraction availability.

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter, apart from the Christmas holiday season. This is the ideal time to try to spot the northern lights.

Find out what annual Icelandic events and festivals are on in our travel guide. Or read more about the best time to visit Iceland on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland has limited daylight in winter. 

Around Christmastime, from early December until late January, you can expect an average of 4–5 hours of daylight. These extended hours of darkness give you a higher chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Iceland if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

To improve your chances of seeing them, we recommend booking a package with a stay in the countryside. On a private tour, you’ll enjoy an aurora hunting excursion with your guide, who will bring you to top locations to try to spot the northern lights. 

Please note that as the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if you go out on a specific northern lights excursion, you might not see them, depending on the conditions or cloud cover. 

Read our Iceland northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Iceland is generally mild compared to other Northern European countries. That said, the temperature can drop below freezing at times. And the Atlantic winds can make it feel colder than it is. 

You can expect average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and -1°C (30°F). Throughout winter (October to April), the weather conditions are very changeable, so you could experience rain, snow, sun and cold winds. 

For more information on the local climate, read this guide to Iceland weather conditions. 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Iceland’s winters are chilly although not as cold as you may expect. As you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend bringing plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Here is a recommended winter packing list for your trip to Iceland:

  • Durable insulated jacket, which should be waterproof
  • Robust walking boots with a good grip
  • Mid-layers such as a fleece or woollen jumper
  • A few pairs of warm hiking socks
  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Swimwear for visiting geothermal pools or spas
  • Backpack for daily adventures
  • Electronic equipment such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for exploring in the snow or glacier excursions
  • And don’t forget your camera!
     

For more information, check out this Iceland packing list.

Breakfast at your Iceland accommodations is always included when you travel with Nordic Visitor.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 2,000–3,000 ISK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 3,000–6,000 ISK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 7,000 ISK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

You can get in touch with our Iceland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Iceland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

When you arrive in Iceland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Iceland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Keflavík?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. The driver will hand over your welcome package with hard copies of your travel documents. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2 PM and 4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel so you can start exploring before check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. 

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central Bank of Iceland. This means conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Relax in top-quality hotels and guesthouses that are highly rated by visitors and handpicked by local travel experts.

Look forward to peaceful stays on your private tour. Each hotel or guesthouse featured on your bespoke itinerary will be conveniently located and have high service standards. Rest assured that you’ll stay in the best possible properties, which have all received excellent reviews from previous customers.

Day 1

Canopy Hotel

Canopy by Hilton is a chic, modern hotel situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites with numerous amenities for your comfort. There is...

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Day 2

Hotel Húsafell

Hotel Húsafell is situated in an unbeatable location, nestled in a scenic spot with stunning views of the mountain landscape, close to lava caves and glaciers. The rooms and suites...

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Day 3

Hotel Geysir

Located in the heart of the Golden Circle, steps away from Geyser, Hotel Geysir offers rooms and suites that are bright, impeccably designed, and have views of the stunning scenery. There...

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Day 4

Magma Hotel

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of South Iceland with a stay at Magma Hotel. This lakeside accommodation is small and intimate, giving you a personalised experience with all the...

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Day 5

Magma Hotel

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of South Iceland with a stay at Magma Hotel. This lakeside accommodation is small and intimate, giving you a personalised experience with all the...

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Day 6

The Retreat Blue Lagoon

The Retreat offers exquisite suites with large windows overlooking vast lava fields or the Blue Lagoon. The Retreat experience includes access to the Blue Lagoon and Blue Lagoon Ritual, gr...

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The hotels mentioned are our first priority for this tour. Please note that although we have included specific accommodations in the tour, these are subject to change in rare cases. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard. We will send you the final list of hotels before you arrive for your tour.

Vehicle

Be comfortable and enjoy the journey as a passenger in the vehicle of your choosing.

Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

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  • x4
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Suburban/Land Cruiser Jeep
or similar

  • Type: L
  • Description: Full-Size SUV, four wheel drive.
  • Passengers: 1-3
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Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • x9
  • x4
  • x9
  • A
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Mercedes Benz Sprinter
or similar

  • Type: P
  • Description: Comfortable, passenger van
  • Passengers: 1-9
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Price per person from

ISK

The amount will be charged in ISK

Approx 1417515 ISK

Book with confidence
Request info

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2023
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